The spread of COVID-19 and the ensuing global lock-down as governments try to slow the spread of the corona virus has tested individuals and institutions around the world. Since March of 2020, the ACG has stepped up its digital programming by hosting webinars and video discussions which bring together policy makers and thought leaders from both sides of the Atlantic to discuss some of the key issues shaping transatlantic relations in an unprecedented time. In addition to organizing events on its own, the ACG has also partnered with other organizations such as 1014 and Atlantik-Brücke to launch new series designed to reach beyond the ACG community.
Relations between Russia and the United States are fraught. Tensions stem largely from the situation on the border with Ukraine, where Russia has positioned thousands of troops. U.S. intelligence sources believe that Moscow is planning a military offensive, but Russia denies any intent to invade Ukraine. The situation is further complicated because Russia sent troops into neighboring Kazakhstan last week after the oil-producing former Soviet republic was hit by a wave of unrest.
In two conversations over the past five weeks, U.S. President Joe Biden warned Putin that Russia would face unprecedented economic sanctions in the event of further aggression against Ukraine. The Group of Seven nations and the European Union have also threatened “massive consequences.” On January 14, the ACG hosted a discussion with Russia experts Dr. Stefan Meister and Dr. Angela Stent about this week’s talks with Russia.
Each week, the ACG hosts a discussion with a journalist based in Germany on the topics making the headlines and shaping political discourse in Berlin. On Monday, January 10, 2022, the ACG hosted its first Kaffeepause of the year with Bloomberg Opinion columnist Andreas Kluth. He discussed his outlook for 2022, as well as the current state of the pandemic in Germany and what it means for the new government.
Each week, the ACG hosts a discussion with a journalist based in Germany on the topics making the headlines and shaping political discourse in Berlin. On December 20, the ACG hosted the last kaffeepause of the year with ACG Young Leader alumnus Matthias Deiß, Deputy Director of ARD’s television studio in Berlin.
On December 17 the ACG held an online discussion about the new German government with the Political Editor of the Süddeutsche Zeitung, Stefan Kornelius with a focus on possible new directions in policy as well as how the coalition may address important challenges facing the country.
Each week, the ACG hosts a discussion with a journalist based in Germany on the topics making the headlines and shaping political discourse in Berlin. On December 13, the ACG hosted a discussion on what to expect from the new government in Berlin with Matthew Karnitschnig, Chief European Correspondent for Politico.